Tourism continues to play a big role in the local economy. According to the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), tourism is playing an increasingly large role in the local economy.

A new report shows that visitors to the Aurora Area (which includes Batavia, Geneva, and North Aurora) spent $278 million in 2024 — up nearly $4 million from the year before. The report says that spending supported 3,061 hospitality jobs and generated almost $14 million in local tax revenue.

Hotels in the area also saw steady growth, with occupancy rising to 66% last year — a 5.5% jump over 2023.

The Aurora Area includes Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Elburn, Geneva, Hinckley, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Sugar Grove, Yorkville and Kendall County.

The trend mirrors statewide gains. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced that Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors in 2024, who spent a record $48.5 billion. Hotel tax revenues also reached an all-time high of $367 million, up 14% from the previous year.

For more information on the report and local tourism initiatives, visit enjoyaurora.com.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.